Scottsdale Police Chief Alan Rodbell announces retirement
Oct 2, 2020, 6:14 PM
Scottsdale Chief of Police Alan Rodbell (Scottsdale police photo)
(Scottsdale police photo)
PHOENIX — Scottsdale Police Chief Alan Rodbell announced Friday evening that he will retire from the department on Dec. 1.
He will end his 45-year career in law enforcement to “pursue an opportunity in the private sector,” the department said in a statement.
“It is an opportunity that comes at a time when I feel confident that the Scottsdale community is in great hands,” Rodbell said in a statement. “I leave feeling good about the city and our police department. This opportunity allows me to move away from law enforcement and still work and stay busy.”
Rodbell joined the Scottsdale Police Department as Assistant Chief in 2002 and was promoted in 2003, becoming the sixth chief in department history.
His tenure was second-longest in the city’s history.
Scottsdale City Manager Jim Thompson released a statement thanking Rodbell for his service.
“As an internationally recognized leader in community partnerships and law enforcement, Chief Rodbell is leaving a true legacy of excellence in policing. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors, and he will be greatly missed,” Thompson said.
Prior to coming to Arizona, Rodbell served with the Montgomery County Police Department in Maryland for 25 years. He began his career there in 1976 as a police officer and advanced up to Assistant Chief of Police.
In 2017, the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police named Rodbell the Police Chief of the Year.
Rodbell’s message to his employees was shared in the statement.
“I am so thankful that you have allowed me to be a part of this family. Every success we have experienced throughout the years has been because of you. I brag that this is the finest culture in law enforcement today,” he said.
